Support FAQ
Getting Started:
How
do I get ready for PantherSoft?
All future PantherSoft System users need the following:
1. Browser Requirements: Verify your web browser and version. With the PantherSoft
System, it is necessary to use the MS Internet Explorer 6.0 browser, rather
than the Netscape browser. This browser was originally installed on all PCs
purchased with Windows. FIU system users will need to determine if they have
the Internet Explorer web browser level 6.0 or greater on their PC for PantherSoft
access. To determine your browser level click on HELP when you are using the
Internet Explorer browser. Note: Some University systems may not be compatible
with version 6.0. If you use a University system that requires a browser less
than 6.0, you may need to have two different browsers on your PC. If you need
to upgrade your browser, you can contact the UTS Support Center at 305-348-2284.
2. Campus-wide PantherSoft Information: You can keep up-to-date with the PantherSoft
Project by reading our frequently printed newsletter, PantherSoft News, which
is also available online on the PantherSoft website (http://panthersoft.fiu.edu).
If you still have any questions, you can email us at psoffice@fiu.edu.
3. Basic Computer Skills: PantherSoft training assumes a basic comfort level
with navigating through the Internet and using Windows; therefore, users must
have basic PC and Internet skills. A skills assessment test will be available
to help you determine if you need further training on computer skills before
moving on to PantherSoft training. Although not all departments will participate
in the skills assessment test, individuals who are unsure of their technical
skill level are encouraged to contact the UTS Training Center for an assessment.
You can visit the UTS Training Center’s website which links off the UTS
website (http://uts.fiu.edu) for a list of
regularly scheduled sessions, and to register on-line for a class; classes
such as PC Fundamentals and Internet Explorer are available to enhance your
skill level.
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What
is my PantherSoft account?
Your PantherSoft account information is created through an automated system
and will be e-mailed to you through your FIU e-mail account if you are a current
student or employee of the University. If you are an FIU applicant, your PantherSoft
account information will be mailed to you. If you believe that your information
was not sent to you, contact the UTS Support Center at 305-348-2284.
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How
do I log in to PantherSoft?
Use a current version of Internet Explorer, currently 6.0 on Windows computers
and 5.1 or later on Macintosh computers. Go to the PantherSoft login page and
type in your username and password.
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What
is a login, username, or PantherSoft ID?
Your login, or username, is how the system recognizes you. Your Panther ID
and your password allow you to gain access to the PantherSoft system. Also,
when you login, the system automatically customizes according to your security
access areas for your needs or job function.
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Which
web browsers can I use?
The University's browser policy concerning PantherSoft supports the use of
two browsers based on industry standards: Internet Explorer (IE) and Safari
(for Macintosh computers). Please note that access to University administrative
systems are guaranteed effective only when using IE 6.0 and above for Windows-based
computers, or IE 5.2 and above or Safari for Macintosh systems.
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Can
I use other web browsers?
Users might be able to access the administrative systems with other browsers;
however, complications may be encountered in doing so. Therefore, we strongly
suggest using browsers supported by the University for best performance.
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I
am unable to log in to PantherSoft. It tells me I must have cookies enabled.
What does this mean?
Cookies are small files that web servers may send to your computer in order
to identify your computer and transmit certain data. PantherSoft makes use
of cookies and requires them in order to access the system. To ensure that
cookies are enabled, do the following:
Windows: IE6 from the menu bar, choose Tools -> Internet Options. Click
the Privacy tab. Make sure the slider is set to Medium High or lower.
Mac: IE 5.2 or later MacOS X: In Explorer, go to the Explorer menu and choose
Preferences. Go to Web Browser -> Security Zones and set to Medium or lower.
Then go to Receiving Files -> Cookies. Set the Receiving Cookies popup menu
to Never Ask.
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I
am unable to log in to PantherSoft. It tells me that my web browser is
not supported.
You might need to change browsers in order to use the system. Currently, Panthersoft
requires Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows-based computers, and Internet Explorer
5.2 or Safari on Macintosh systems.
You can get the Windows version by clicking here
The Mac version can be downloaded by clicking here
Or
to download Safari, you can click
here
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It
tells me I have an incorrect password. What do I do?
First, verify that you're typing in your password and username correctly. Remember
that PantherSoft is case-sensitive, and all characters must be keyed in correctly.
Next, if your account has not been frozen, you may reset your password by clicking
the Forgot Password? link on the initial login page, and by answering several
security questions. Otherwise, you may contact the UTS Support Center at 305-348-2284.
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Where
do I change my password?
Log in to PeopleSoft. Then click Home > PeopleTools > Maintain Security > Use > My
Profile > Change Password.
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Where
can I change the questions it asks me when I've forget my password?
Click Home > PeopleTools > Maintain Security > Use > My Profile > Set
Personalizations.
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It
tells me my account has been locked. What do I do?
If you've made five consecutive unsuccessful attempts to log in to PantherSoft,
or five unsuccessful attempts to reset your password, the system will freeze
the account as a security measure. To unlock the account, you must call the
UTS Support Center at 305-348-2284.
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If
I don't use PantherSoft for a while, it disconnects me and I have to log
in again. Is there any way I can change this?
PantherSoft will disconnect users if they've been "idle" for a certain
amount of time. This is a security measure that cannot be changed. To avoid
being disconnected, occasionally change the page you're on while connected
to PantherSoft.
OK,
I'm in the system. Now what?
Here's where you can search for student records or modify your own data. Remember,
though, that what you can do within PantherSoft is based upon your login and
password, and there may be sections that you do not have access to. Later on,
PantherSoft will also encompass Financial Aid, class registration, the University's
financial transactions, and even allow instructors to enter their grades online!
However, to get you started, it depends on what you're looking for. Visit the
Crosswalk document to compare what you used in the old NWRDC system and the
location of the same feature in PantherSoft.
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Usage:
What
does the * mean?
The * indicates that this is a required field. You must enter something into
all fields marked with a * in order to save your changes.
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What
are Service Indicators?
Service Indicators are icons that are displayed in certain records to indicate
special attention. The Service Indicators in PantherSoft are the Negative Service
Indicator,
and the Positive
Service Indicator,
.
There's also a FERPA or Privacy Indicator,
.
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What
is the red circle with the slash?
This is the Negative Service Indicator. It replaces what is known as a Hold
in the old system. It alerts the user that the student has some kind of restriction.
For example, a student with unpaid fees would not be allowed to graduate, and
the student's record will be labeled with this icon. The student can look up
why it was placed, and how to correct it using PantherSoft’s Self-Service
tools.
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What
is the little star I see in some records?
This is the Positive Service Indicator. It does not have any impact on the
record and is only used administratively. Students will not see this in the
self-service section.
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What
is the little window shade icon I see in some records?
This is the FERPA (Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) indicator.
It is a warning that specific information in this record is not to be released
or published. Click the icon and read for more information.
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I
want to change data, but I can't. What's wrong?
Some data you will not be able to change, such as historical data like previous
addresses, etc. If you want to update information, you need to add a row in
order to enter new data, such as a mailing address that will be valid in the
future. If you have an item you feel must be changed, and you do not have the
ability to do so, call the UTS Support Center at 305-348-2284.
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What
is Effective Date?
An Effective Date is when a change in data will take effect. For example, if
your mailing address is going to change, your new mailing address can be entered
into the system at any time, and the effective date set for the actual date
when you move.
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What
I see when I login is different from what I saw in the training class.
How do I fix this?
In the training sessions, the environment is more open due to the range of
features that are covered. PantherSoft will change the interface when you log
in to customize your access to the areas of PantherSoft that you will need
and to hide items you do not have access to. If there is a service of PantherSoft
that you need to access but haven’t been given the permission to access
it, please call the UTS Support Center at 305-348-2284.
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Errors:
A
Warning will appear when you attempt to save data that PantherSoft does not
understand correctly. You are able to continue; however, it is highly recommended
that you read and understand the warning before proceeding. Warning messages
in PantherSoft are very descriptive, but if you need assistance, contact
your supervisor or the UTS Support Center at 305-348-2284. Also, you can
use the Help link in PantherSoft to access PeopleBooks, PantherSoft’s
Help tools.
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An
Error will appear if PantherSoft cannot process something. It must be resolved
before you are allowed to continue. If you need assistance, contact your
supervisor or the UTS Support Center at 305-348-2284. Or, use the Help link
in PantherSoft to access PeopleBooks.
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I
lost my work! What do I do?
You can lose your work if you transfer out of a page without saving your work.
It will also be lost if you are disconnected due to being idle. Should this
happen, the data must be re-entered.
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What
does it mean to Tab Out
To Tab Out is to leave an edit field by pressing the Tab key on the keyboard,
rather than using the mouse to click the next desired field. Tabbing Out is
recommended for two reasons: it's faster when entering text into several fields,
and it allows PantherSoft to process entries in some fields in advance. This
matters in pages such as Search/Match, where you will only be able to search
using fields that you have Tabbed Out of.
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